If I had read this book 10 years ago, when it first found its place on my bookshelf, I would have毫不犹豫地 given it four or five stars. The missional theology presented within its pages remains highly relevant and serves as a solid foundation. However, as I reflect on it now, I can't help but wonder how Frost would rewrite certain sections in light of globalization and the prominent nationalist movements that are currently unfolding. The reality is that Christians are indeed exiles. We find ourselves living in a world that can sometimes feel like Babylon. His critiques and challenges hold significant importance. Although I don't necessarily agree with all of his conclusions, I firmly believe that this book initiates an important conversation that Christians need to engage in. It forces us to think deeply about our role as exiles in a changing world and how we can remain true to our faith while also being relevant and impactful.

This commentary on Christian life in the western world is, once again, a bit on the wordy side (hence the rating of 3). However, I truly liked the creative structure it presented.

There were many interesting thoughts and suggestions put forward regarding missional community living in a new and refreshing way. It offers a solid challenge to the rather messed-up state of the church in America.

It makes one stop and think about the current state of affairs within the Christian community and how we can strive to live out our faith in a more meaningful and impactful manner.

The ideas presented here have the potential to inspire change and growth within the church, as we seek to better understand and embrace our call to be a missional community in the modern world.

Overall, while the commentary may be a bit long-winded, it contains valuable insights that are well worth considering for those interested in the future of the Christian faith in the western world.

For a while now, I've been pondering the idea that Christians should cease striving to return to the so-called "good old days" when being Christian was regarded as the norm and Judeo-Christian values were more explicitly manifested in our culture. This book has provided me with additional perspectives to further explore this thought.

Frost emphasizes that the people of Israel struggled to understand how to be God's chosen people even when they had their own nation, temple, and king. During that period in their history, they persistently "lusted after Baal." It was only when they were exiled that they developed the religious dedication and practice that made them distinctively God's people.

He proposes that the same holds true for Americans. For us, materialism acts as the alluring siren that we continuously pursue. Perhaps we require our own form of exile to assist us in discerning whether we need God and, if so, what kind of spiritual practice can truly nourish us and serve the world, rather than merely putting on a religious façade?

The examples from his spiritual community in Australia are far more extreme than anything I can envision occurring in my surroundings. However, they inspire and comfort me, indicating that God is not distant if we seek Him while He can still be found.

Michael Frost is a remarkable author, and anything written by him is truly worth reading.

His works are known for their engaging storytelling, deep insights, and unique perspectives. Whether it's a novel, a short story, or an essay, Frost has the ability to captivate his readers from the very first page.

His writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking, making his books suitable for a wide range of audiences.

One of the things that sets Michael Frost apart is his ability to explore complex themes in a way that is both understandable and relatable.

He delves into the human condition, exploring topics such as love, loss, identity, and purpose. Through his characters and their experiences, he offers readers a chance to reflect on their own lives and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

So, if you're looking for a great read, don't hesitate to pick up anything by Michael Frost. You won't be disappointed.

After reading this book, I have a very definite response to it.

It truly nailed my heart to the floor, like nothing I've read before (aside from the Bible). I have recommended it to every ministry or pastor who is currently struggling in this unique and ambiguous place. They are passionate about Christ, yet at the same time, they are challenged by the self-imposed boundaries.

Foster skillfully draws from the experiences of Australian ministries as well as those of other UK churches. These churches have risen to meet the commission of Christ with innovation and yet simplistic observations. Through this, they have been able to create missional communities that are truly transforming the lives within their specific contexts.

This book offers valuable insights and practical examples that can inspire and guide ministries and pastors to break free from the limitations and embrace a more impactful and relevant approach to serving Christ and making a difference in the world.

Frost has quite a few thought-provoking insights in here.

However, I don't agree with him in every area. There were several places where I felt he was being downright snobby. For example, when he said, "If you are a REAL exile you won't...".

Personally, I don't see myself ever pulling out of a traditional church setting. But I don't think that should disqualify me as a thinker who is trying to see himself as an alien in a strange land, as mentioned in Hebrews 12.

Still, he offers some interesting peeks into Scripture and calls the Western Church to think outside the box. He does offer practical advice or at least tangible solutions for what he sees as problems.

Overall, while I may not agree with everything Frost says, his work does offer some valuable food for thought and challenges the church to consider new perspectives and approaches.

This is the book that truly defines what it means to be missional. It holds a unique position in the literary landscape. However, its greatest strength is simultaneously its greatest weakness. "Exiles" is an extremely cerebral and intellectual work.

This aspect is beneficial as it compels readers to actively exercise their understanding of theology and the Bible while perusing its pages. It challenges one's mental faculties and forces a deeper engagement with the subject matter.

On the flip side, this very characteristic can make it a long and dry read. The dense intellectual content may cause some readers to lose interest or struggle to maintain focus. I discovered that the best way to approach this book is in a group setting, taking one chapter at a time. This allows for shared discussions, different perspectives, and a more collaborative exploration of the ideas presented.

By reading it in a group, the burden of grappling with the complex concepts is shared, and the experience becomes more engaging and enjoyable.

This is a very good book, yet not every idea it presents is necessarily "good."

The author appears to be bombarding the reader with a plethora of concepts, almost like throwing a ton of stuff at the wall to see what adheres.

The majority of these ideas are indeed good, but there are also some that seem rather dumb.

At times, the author's ideas even seem to contradict one another.

However, overall, everything in this book challenges the reader in the best possible way.

Nothing within these pages claims to be authoritative; instead, it aims to challenge the apathy that may exist within the church.

The book does have its drawbacks, though. It overstays its welcome as it feels longer than it should be.

The final chapter initially sputters into a bitter complaint about shallow Christian worship songs, which is a rather weak note to end on.

Thankfully, it then turns around and makes some very perceptive points about theology and its relation to all aspects of a church's mission.

Despite its flaws, this book is still a worthwhile read for those seeking to engage with new and challenging ideas within the context of the church.

Provocative. It has the power to incite strong emotions and reactions, to push boundaries and make people think.

Scathing. With words that cut like a knife, it can tear apart ideas and expose the flaws within.

Stirring. It has the ability to move hearts and souls, to inspire action and change.

Dangerous. It may pose a threat to the status quo, to established beliefs and systems.

Hopeful. Despite its potential risks, it also holds the promise of a better future, of new possibilities and opportunities.

Challenging. It demands that we step out of our comfort zones, that we face our fears and overcome our limitations.

Unnerving. It can make us feel uneasy and uncomfortable, as it forces us to confront the unknown and the unfamiliar.

Together, these qualities make for a truly powerful and impactful force. They can shape our thoughts, our actions, and our world. Whether we embrace them or resist them, they will continue to have a profound influence on our lives.

Frost commences this book in a truly excellent manner. Right from the start, I discovered that I could strongly identify with a great deal of what he penned.诚然, some of the examples provided are understandably a bit outdated, given the passage of time.然而, the fundamental principles that he expounds upon remain unwavering and hold true. In fact, the verities regarding the church's arduous struggle with Christendom have become even more evident and palpable since the book was first written.

Nonetheless, as I approached the conclusion of the book, I encountered some difficulties. I had the distinct impression that some of Frost's personal inclinations and passions were being presented in a more generalized fashion, as if they were applicable to ALL exiles. This is, admittedly, a rather minor grievance. After all, an author is, of course, entitled to express their own views and perspectives within the confines of their own book. Nevertheless, I do harbour a wish that his editors might have guided him more effectively to avoid such overgeneralizations. This aspect, unfortunately, made the task of finishing the book somewhat more challenging than it was to embark upon it.

All in all, despite these minor drawbacks, this book is still highly recommended, especially the opening chapters. They offer profound insights and engaging narratives that are certain to captivate the reader's attention and stimulate their thoughts.

This is the book that introduced me to a missional paradigm. As a result, it is responsible for a significant portion of my Theology.

It is quite an academic work, yet it is filled with references to popular culture, movies, food and drink, and literature. This makes it an extremely interesting read.

I would even go as far as to say that it is a'must read' for anyone who is looking to engage in the missional conversation and understand the role of the church in a broad context.

The book offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help readers gain a deeper understanding of the missional paradigm and its implications for the church and society.

Whether you are a theologian, a pastor, or simply someone who is interested in the intersection of faith and culture, this book is well worth reading.

It will challenge you, inspire you, and perhaps even change the way you think about the mission of the church.

Even if you don't agree with everything he has to say, Frost presents a significant challenge to Western Christians.

He urges them to ask themselves some truly difficult questions. These questions pertain to how they, as individuals and as part of their churches, interact with the surrounding culture. In a world that is constantly evolving and changing, it is crucial for Christians to examine how their beliefs and practices intersect with the cultural context.

Moreover, Frost also challenges them to reflect on their interaction with Christ. Are they truly living out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives? Are their churches providing an environment that nurtures and deepens their relationship with Christ? By asking these difficult questions, Frost hopes to inspire Western Christians to reevaluate their faith and to find ways to better engage with both culture and Christ.

This is no easy task, but it is one that is essential for the growth and vitality of the Christian faith in the modern world.